Home topics news The Minister for Trade and Tourism Senator the Hon. Don Farrell meets Australian exhibitors at Gulfood 2026. Source: austrade.gov.au News News From Sydney juice brands to South Australian dairy, businesses are finding real buyers in the Gulf Yajush Gupta February 26, 2026 Australia’s trade deal with the UAE has eliminated tariffs on 99% of exports. Austrade’s Bryony Hilless explains what that means for food businesses eyeing the Gulf right now. What’s happening: More than 100 Australian food and beverage companies exhibited at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai in January, Australia’s largest-ever presence at the event. Why this matters: For Australian food exporters, CEPA has changed what is possible. Tariff-free entry has improved price competitiveness, making Australian products more attractive to Gulf buyers and distributors. When Merrick Watts, co-founder of Sydney-based hydration brand Posca Hydrate, arrived at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai, he was not expecting what came next. “We have made unprecedented contacts with major suppliers; the interest level has been enormous,” Watts said. “It has been much greater than we expected, and has surpassed all of our greatest hopes.” Posca Hydrate was one of more than 100 Australian companies at Gulfood 2026, the world’s biggest food and beverage trade show, held from 26 to 30 January. It was Australia’s strongest national presence at the event to date, with the show attracting more than 8,500 exhibitors from around the world across two venues for the first time. A window into the Gulf The backdrop to that presence is a